Novel compounds for lowering blood cholesterol levels



United States Patent 3,188,315 NOVEL COMPOUNDS FOR LOWERING BLOOD CHGLESTERGL LEVELS Frank J. Villani, West Caldwell, NJ., assignor to Schering glorporation, Bloomfield, N.J., a corporation of New ersey No Drawing. Filed May 18, 1960, Ser. No. 29,786 17 Claims. (Cl. 260-297) This invention relates to novel organic compounds which possess valuable physiological activity. More spe- 'cifically, it relates to novel compounds capable ofdecreasing the serum cholesterol in the blood and to processes for their preparation.

While the exact relationship of the serum cholesterol and the incidence of atherosclerosis is still not precisely understood, there is a marked correlation between the content of serum cholesterol in the blood and the incidence of atherosclerosis. The desirability of lowering the content of serum cholesterol in the blood to efifect a prevention or reversal of atherosclerosis is thus apparent.

Of the known compounds in use today for prevent-ion or reversal of atherosclerosis, compounds of an est'rogen-ic nature, and in particular B-estradiol, have been found to be of the more successful agents, Unfortunately, the dosage of estrogensrequired to effect significant lowering of the serum cholesterol is such that undesired hormonal side etfects inevitably accompany their use.

-I have discovered a new class of compounds that possesses the valuable property of lowering the serum cholesterol content in the blood with minimal, if any, side effects. Hence, these compounds may serve as valuable therapeutic agents in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related circulatory diseases, and may also serve as valuable circulatory disease preventatives.

In general, the compounds of my invention may be represented by the following structural formula'and include the nontoxic acid addition salts thereof:

(D wherein A is monohomocyclic aryl group;

. are joined together through the Z-carbon aliphatic bridge;

is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle having at least 5 but less than 7 cyclic atoms, at least 1 but less than 3 of any of said cyclic atoms being other than carbon; B is a 2-carbon aliphatic chain joining the A and i A CR groups, the carbon atom of B that is immediately adjacent to the A group having W and Y joined to it, and the other carbon atom of B having X and Z joined to it; eac of W and X is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloloweralky-l, hydroxy, lower alkanoyloxy, m-onohomocyclic aryl, and pyriclyl; n is a number less than 2; each of Y and Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and dilower-alkylamino-' loweralkyl, with the proviso that when n is 1 at least one member of each of the pair of groups W and Y, and X and Z are joined to B by a carbon-to-carbon bond, and when n is zero at least one of Y and Z is other than hydrogen.

Patented June 8, 1955 As a necessary requisite to the class of compounds of my invention, it is to be noted from the above-defined As an alternative to Formula I and for further elucidation, the following structural formulae may more specifically depict the compounds of my invention: 7

' i l m @erti Vn Y Z Vn Y Z (Viv) wherein m GR is as defined for I, as are W, X, Y, andZ.

Representative of the groups embraced by the above designations are as follows: In addition to hydrogen and hydroxy, V may be halogen, such as bromo, fluoro, iodoi or preferably chloro; lower alkyl, preferably methyl, and others such as ethyl, straight and branched chain propyl, butyl, amyl; lower alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, amyloxy; acyloxy such as carboxylic acid radicals containing from 1-8 carbonatoms, as for example, the lower alkanoyl radicals such as acetyl, pr-opionyl, cyclopentyl-propionyl and the like, and aryl radicals such as benzoyl, sulfobenzoyl and the like; diloweralkylaminolower alkoxy such as dimethylaminoethoxy, diethylaminoethoxy, and the like. Also included within the foregoing representatives for V are the closely. related substituted analogs thereof, for example, trifluoromethyl, amino, and thioalkyl. As can be seen from the structural formulae of II, with respect to the aromatic ring, the orientation of the members of the group V may be ortho, meta, or para. Also within the scope of V are the disubstituted members of the foregoing, such as dihalo, diloweralkyl, and diloweralkoxy. r

' The members of the groups which are represented .by the designations Wand X, as defined in I and II(a), in addition to hydrogen and hydroxy, include lower alkyls, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and amyl, including their branched isomers; lower alkanoyloxy such as acetoxy, propionyloxy, butyrloxy, valeryloxy; pyridyls such as, for example, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl; and monohomocyclic aryls such as phenyl and substituted phenyls having substituents such as, for example, lower alkyl, halogen, lower alkoxy, hydroxy, and dilow'eralkylaminolower alkyl and the like; The members of the groups which are represented byvthe designations Y and Z include alkyl such as, for example, methyl, propyl, butyl, amyl, and preferably ethyl; diloweralkylarninoloweralkyls such as diethylaminoethyl, diethylaminornethyl, dimethylaminopropyl and the like. Also included within the scope of the definitions for W, X, Y, and Z are the closely related substituted analogs of the foregoing such as halo-lower alkyl, such as 2-chloroethyl and the like. The nitrogen-containing group is representative of a cyclic ring of from 5 to 6 members which, in addition to having carbon and nitrogen, may also have sulfur. The ring structures are exemplified by such groups as pyridyl, piperidyl, piperazyl, pyrazyl, thiazyl and imidazyl, such as for example, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 4-imidazy1, Z-thiazyl, the 2-, 3-, and 4-piperidyls, 2-piperazyl, and the corresponding N-substituted groups as well as the related substituted analogs thereof, such as for example, methylpyridyl, hydroxypyridyl, chloropyridyl, N-methylpiperidyl, aminopyridyl, methoxypyridyl and the like.

Also included within the scope of my invention are the pharmaceutically acceptable therapeutic salts of the foregoing, such as the hydrochloride.

The compounds of my invention may be prepared by several analogously known methods which basically constitute a coupling reaction wherein the aromatic and the heterocyclic ring structures are joined together through a Z-carbon aliphatic bridge. To illustrate the origin and formation of the Z-carbon aliphatic bridge, as Well as to more particularly demonstrate the various modes of coupling the terminal ring structures, the following general methods are set forth:

(a) An alkylbenzene possessing a carbonyl function beta to the benzene ring may be treated with an alkali metal salt of a nitrogen-containing heterocycle so as to effect nucleophilic addition of the heterocycle anion in the substituted alkylbenzene. This substituted alkylbenzene may be either a ketonic carbonyl function, or it may be an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid. For example, a lithium salt prepared from 2-bromopyridine may be reacted with 4-(p-rnethoxyphenyl)-3-hexanone to give 3-(2- pyridyl) 4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol. Alternatively, this product may be obtained by reacting the lithium salt of Z-(p-methoxyphenyl)-butyric acid with 2-pyridy1 lithium to give the l-(2-pyridyl)-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-l-bu tanone which when reaction with ethylmagnesium bromide will yield 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol.

(b) Similarly, an alkylbenzene possessing a carbonyl function on the carbon atom alpha to the phenyl group may be treated with a disubstituted alkane having as its substituents, on the same carbon atom, as alkali metal and a nitrogren-containing heterocycle so as to yield a compound having its carbinol function on the carbon atom of the bridge that is alpha to the phenyl radical. Also, as in (a) above, alpha-carbon carbinols may be prepared by treating the appropriate alkanones with the appropriate Grignard reagent. 7

The carbinols, prepared as described in (a) and (b) above, are readily dehydrated by analogously known methods using conventional dehydrating agents, for example, treatment with a strong acid. Generally, I have found that Where the hydroxy group is beta to the phenyl group, superior results are obtained by treatment with potassium pyrosulfate at elevated temperatures in the range of 250 C., and that where the hydroxy group is alpha to the phenyl group, superior results are obtained by refluxing in a mixture of hydrochloric and acetic acids. Other suitable dehydrating agents may similarly be used however, such as for example, potassium bisulfite, iodine, phosphorous pentoxide or phosphorous trioxide. In general, when the fusion-type dehydration is employed, the reaction is carried out within the temperature range of about 200280 C.

The products obtained upon dehydration in the above cases are substantially identical and may be catalytically hydrogenated by analogously konwn methods. The hydrogenations are generally carried out in anhydrous alco- 4 holic solvents in the presence of the usual catalysts, e.g. Raney nickel etc. The reaction may be conducted at very slightly increased atmospheric pressure to very highly increased pressure, although it is preferable to use elevated pressures in the range of about 40 to 150 lbs./ sq. in.

(c) Another method to form the Z-carbon aliphatic bridge type compounds is via a modified Wurtz-type reac tion wherein an rat-halogenated alkylbenzene is reacted with an alkane substituted by a heterocycle and an alkali metal, both of which are located on the same carbon atom of the alkane radical.

Formation of the groups designated as W, X, Y, and Z, as defined above, may be accomplished during the formation of the basic type structure or they may be joined to the aliphatic bridge after the basic structure is formed. For instance, a dialkylaminoalkyl group may be joined to the basic 2-carbon bridge by an alkylation reaction, e. g. l-dimethylamino-3- (2-pyridyl -4- (p-methoxyphenyl) hexane may be formed by the reaction of diethylaminoethyl chloride with 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)- butane in the presence of an alkali metal amide.

The following examples will serve to further exemplify the nature of these various reactions, and to further demonstrate the scope of the various groups which may be present in a particular position. These examples however, are not intended and should not be construed in any way so as to limit the scope of the present invention as the scope is delineated 'by the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 3- (2 -pyridyl -4- p-metlz oxy phenyl -3-hexan0l An ethereal solution of 27.5 g. of n-butyl bromide is added in a dr-opwise fashion at 10 C. .with stirring to 3 g. lithium shot and 150 ml. of anhydrous ether. When the lithium metal has been allowed to react completely, the mixture is cooled to 40 C. and a solution of 31.5 g. of 2-bromopyridine in an equal volume of anhydrous ether is added dropwise with stirring. After stirring for 15-20 minutes, an ethereal solution of 27 g. of 4-(p-methoxyphenyD-3-hexanone is added and the mixture stirred for one hour at 40 C. The mixture is then stirred for an additional five hours and permitted to warm to room temperature.

Water is next added to the mixture. The organic layer is then separated and extracted with dilute (10%) hydrochloric acid. These acid extracts are rendered alkaline with ammonium hydroxide solution and extracted with chloroform. After removal of the chloroform from these organic ex tnacts, the residue is triturated with hexane. Upon collection by filtration of the tan solid thus formed, there is obtained material consisting substantial-1y of one isomeric form (designated as isomer A) of 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol, M.P. -84 C., which upon purification by crystallization from hexane demonstrates a melting point of 92 C. The filtrate obtained upon filtration of the above tan solid is evaporated to an oil which when distilled in vacuo yields the other isomeric form (designated as iso mer B) of 3-(2-pyr'idyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol, BJP. 164-168 C./ 1 mm., n 15548-15555.

In .a similar fashion, .by employing an equivalent amount of 3-bromopyridine in place of 2-bromopyridine there is prepared the corresponding isomers A and B of 3 (3-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-'hex'anol, M.'P. (A) 96-100 C., B.P.; (B) ZOO-210 C./3 mm.

Similarly, the following substituted ketones are substituted for 4-(p-rnethoxyphenyl)-3-hexanone: 2-anisyl-3- pentanone; 3-anisy1-2-butanone; 4-(m-methoxyphenyD-3- hexanone; 4-(o-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanone; Z-( p-isopropylphenyl)-3-pentanone; 4-phenyl-3-hex'anone; 4-(p-chlorophenyl-Lhexanone; and a-ethyl-desoxyanisoin. There are thus prepared in respective order the following com-. pounds (where two values are given for the same constant the second value refers to the other isomeric form): Z-(pmethoxyphenyl) 3 (2-pyridyl)- 3-pentanol, B.P. 165- 175/ 3 mm., M.P. 7576 C.; 2-(p-methoxyp'henyl)-3-(2- py1 ldyl)-3-butanol, B.P. 1 8-0-1:83/2.5 mm., M.P. 69-72, 97-99 C.; 3-(m-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol, B.P. 160-170/1 mm., 12 1.5554; 3(o-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexa11ol, B.P. 150-l56 C/ 1 mm., M.P. 92-94 C.; 3 (p-methy-lphenyl)-4(2-pyridy1)- 4-hexanol, B.P. 167-173 C./3 mm.; 2-(p-isopropylphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-3-pen-tanol, B.P. l70-176 C./2 mm.; 3-.phenyl-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol, M.P. 92-96" C; 3-(pchlorophenyl) -,4 (2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol, B.P. l80-187 C./3 111111.; and l, 2-di-(p-anisyl)-1-(2-pyridyl)-1-butanol, M.P. 123-l26 C.

EXAMPLE 2 3-(2-pyridyl) -4- (p-methoxyphenyl) -3-hexene Twenty grams of isomer A of 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol are mixed with 80g. of powdered potassium pyrosulfate and the mixture heated to a temperature of 240-260 C. Upon liquification of the mixture, the heating is continued for an additional minutes. The hot homogeneous mixture is then poured onto ice and the resulting mixture neutralized 'with ammonium hydroxide. The product is next extracted with chloroform and the chloroform extracts then concentrated to -a residue. Distillation of this residue yields the material of this example, 3-(2-pyridyl)-4(pmethoxyphenyl)-3-hex- 'cne, B.P. 165-175 -C./2 mm., 11 15677-15720.

Treatment of isomer B of '3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-rnethoxyphenyl)3-hexanol with potassium pyrosulfate similarly yields the product of this example.

In an analogous fashion, the following compounds are treated in the manner of this example: 3-(3-pyridyl)-4- (prnethoxyphenyl-hexanol; 2- (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl) -3- pent-anol; Z-(p-methoxy-phenyI)-3-(2-pyrdiyl)-3- butanol; 3-(m methoxyphenyl)4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol; 3-(o-methoxyphenyl) -4- (2-pyridy1) -4-hexanol; 3-(p-methylphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol; 2- (-p-isopropylphen yl) 3 2-pyridyl)-3-pent=anol;' 3-pheny1 4-'(2-py ridyl)-4- hexanol; 3-(p-chlorophenyl) -4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexanol; and 1,2-di (p-a-nisyl) -'1-( 2-pyridyl -1-butanol.

There are iilllJS formed the following compounds: 3-(3- pyridyl) 4-(p-methoxypheny-l)-3-thexene, B.P. 157-159 C/ 1 mm., n 1.5656; 2-p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)- 3-pentene, B.P. 172-174 C./3 mrn.; 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3(2-pyridyl)-3 butene, B.P. 145-150" C./1 mm., 11 1.5823; 3-'(m-rnethoxyphenyl)-4(2-pyridyl)-3-hexene, B.P. 137-140 C./ 1 mm; 3-(o-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2- pyridyl)-3-hexene, B.P. 150-156" C./-l mn1.; 3-(p-methoylphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexene, B.P. 153-158 C./5 mm; 2-(p-isopropylphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-pentene, B.P. 159-162 C./ 1 mm.; 3-phenyl-4-(2-pyr-idyl)-3-hexene, l20-1.-23 C./1 mm.; 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4- hexene, B.P. 160-165" C./3 mm.; and 1,2-di-(p-anisyl)-1- (Z-pyridyD-l-butene. I

EXAMPLE 3 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-meth0xyphenyl) -hexane Thirteen grams of 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(-p-methoxyphenyl)- 3-hexene are dissolved in 150 ml. of anhydrous alcohol.

This solution is then placed in a Parr hydrogenation apparatus and hydrogenated in the presence of Raney nickel at an initial pressure of 60 lbs/sq. in. The hydrogenation is continued for approximately two hours at room temperature after whichtime the catalyst is removed by filtration and solvent is then removed by distillation. Distillation in Vacuo of the residue yields -3-(2-pyrdiy l)-4-(pmethoxyphenyD-hexane, B.P. 145-150 Cj l mm; 11 1.5466.

In a similar fashion the following compounds are subjected to the above hydrogenation procedure: 3-.(3-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexene;

2- (p-rneth oxyphenyl) -3- (2-pyridyl -3 -pentene; 2 (p-met-hoxyphenyl -3 (2-pyridyl) -3-butene; 3-(m-methoxyphenyl)-4-( 2-pyridyl)-4-hexene; 3-( o-metlhoxyphenyl) -4-=(2pyridyl) -4-hexene; 3-(p-methylpl1enyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-hexene; 2(p-isopropylphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-pentene; 3-phenyl-442-pyridyl)-4-hexene; and 1,2-di-(p-anisyl)-l(2-pyridyl)-l-butene.

There are thus prepared the following compounds: 3-(3-pyridyl) 4 (p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane, B.P. 164- l66 C./2 mm., 11 1.5531; 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2- pyridyl)-pentane, B.P. 177-181" C./6 mm., 11 1.5525; Z-(p-methoxyphenyl) 3 (2 pyridyl)-butane, B.P.147-

153 C./4 mm., 11 1.5508; 3-(m-methoxyphenyl)- 4-' (Z-pyridyD-hexane, B.P. 143-146 C./2 mm.; 3-(o-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane, B.P. 162-165 C./2 mm.; 3-(p-methylpheny1)-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane, B.P. 149- 154 C./ 5 mm.; 2-(p-isopropylphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-pen tane, B.P. 152-156 C./1 mm.; 3-phenyl-4-(2-pyridyl)- hexane, B.P. -117 C./1 mm; and 1,2-di-(p-anisyl)- 1-(2-pyridyl)-butane.

. Alternatively 3-(Z-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane is prepared in the following manner. V

The requisite starting material, anethole hydrobromide is prepared from 14.8 anethole according to the method of Kharasch et al., J.A.C.S., 65, 493 (1943). This compound is maintained at --80 C. while the following reaction medium is prepared. To 1 1. of liquid ammonia are added 2.39 grams of sodium metal and a trace of ferric nitrate. There are next added 12 g. of 2-n-propylpyridine and the mixture stirred for /2 hour. The anethole hydrobromide is then added in a dropwise fashion with stirring of the reaction mixture. The stirring is continued for 4 hours andthe ammonia is then allowed to evaporate while displacing with anhydrous ether. The resulting other solution is allowed to stir overnight. There is then added a large volume of 10% hydrochloric acid solution. The organic layer is separated and discarded and the aqueous layer thenrendered neutral by addition of ammonium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extracts are then reduced to residue in vacuo and the residue distilled in vacuo to yield 3- (Z-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxypheny1) hexane, physical constants as above.

A modification of the above procedure yielding the same product employs ethyliodide and l-(2-pyridy1)-2- (p-methoxyphenyl)-butane in liquid ammonia and sodium. Similarly by employing other alkyl halides such as 2- iodopropane and Z-diethylaminoethyl chloride with 1-(2- pyridyl) -2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-butane there are prepared the corresponding compounds, in this'instance Z-methyl- 3-(2-pyridyl) 4 (p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane, B.P. 180- 183 C./1 mm. and 1-diethylamino-3-(2-pyridyl) 4-(p- EXAMPLE 4 3- (2-pyridyl) -4- (p-hydroxyphenyl Jwxane Fifteen grams of 3-(2-pyridyl)4-(p-methoxyphenyl)- hexane are refluxed with 60 ml. of 48% hydrobromic acid for 7 hours. The mixture is then concentrated in vacuo and the residue is dissolved in water and rendered alkaline by the addition of ammonium hydroxide solution. The basic solution is extracted with chloroform and the organic extracts concentrated to a residue. The residue is triturated with hexane and allowed to stand in a refrigera- 'tor for ten to fifteen hours. The solid material is recrystallized from a benzene hexane mixture to yield 3-(2- pyridyl)-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-hexane, M.P. 99103 C.

The following compounds are treated by the identical procedure 3-(3-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl) hexane; 2-(p-methoxyphenyl) 3 (2 pyridyl)-pentane; 2- (p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(-2-pyridyl)-butane; 3 (m-methoxyphenyl) -4- (2-pyridyl) -hexane; 3- (o-methoxyphenyl -4- (2-pyridyl)-hexane; 3 (3-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexene, M.P. 144146 C.; 3-(m-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyri- 'dyl)-3-hexene and 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-3- butene.

There are thus prepared the following compounds: 3-(3-pyridyl)-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-hexane; 2 -(p-hydroxyphenyl)'-3- (2-pyridyl)-pentane; 2 (p-hydroxyphenyl)-3- (2-pyridyl)-butane; 3 (m-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)- hexane; 3-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane; 3-(3- pyridyl)-4- (p-hydroxyphenyl) 3 hexene; 3-(mhydroxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexene; and 2-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-3-butene.

. EXAMPLE 5 3 p-methoxy phenyl -4- (6 -hydr0xy-3 -pyridyl -hexane In the manner of Example 1, from 2-hydroxy-5-bromopyridine and 4-anisyl-3-hexanone, there is obtained 3- (p-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-(6 hydroxy-3-pyridyl)- hexane, M.P. 234-235 C., which when treated according to the procedure of Example 2 yields 3-(p-methoxyphenyl 4 (6 hydroxy-3-pyridyl)-3-hexene. This compound is then hydrogenated according to the procedure of Example 3 to yield 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(6-hydroxy- 3-pyridyl)-hexane.

EXAMPLE 6 3-(2-piperidyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl) -3-lzexalz0l Nine grams of 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3- hexanol (prepared in Example 1) are dissolved in 150 ml. of ethanol and 4 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The solution is then placed in a Parr hydrogenation apparatus and hydrogenated in the presence of 1 g. of platinum oxide for 4 hours at 60 lbs./ sq. in. ofhydrogen. The catalyst is then removed by filtration, and the solvent is next removed by evaporation. The residue is then dissolved in water which is subsequently rendered basic with ammonium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. 'I'hechloroforrn is removed by distillation and the residue distilled in vacuo to yield 3-(2-piperidyl)r4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 183-186 C./3 mm., 11 1.5335.

7 This compound may be treated in the manner of Example 2 to yield the correspondingly substituted hexene.

Similarly 3-(2-pyridyl)-4- (p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane is hydrogenated by the above .procedure to yield 3-(2- piperidyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane, B.P. 152154 C./1 mm., 11 15236-15240.

EXAMPLE 7 3-(N-methyl-Z-piperidyl) -4-(p-meth0xyphenyl)-hexane A mixture of 11.5 g. of 3-(2-piperidyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane, 19 g. formic acid (90%) and 12 ml. of 30% formalin solution is heated on the steam bath for 15 hours. The mixture is then concentrated in vacuo on the steam bath and the residue dissolved in water. The solution is rendered basic with ammonium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The solvent is then removed by evaporation and the residue is distilled in vacuo to yield 3-(N-methyl-2-piperidyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane, B.P. -183" C./4 mm., n 1.5225.

EXAMPLE 8 3- (p-meth0xyplzenyl) -4- (2-pyridyl)-3-hexan0l A suspension of sodamide in liquid ammonia is pre pared from 7 g. of sodium in a manner analogous to that of the alternate procedure of Example 3. To this suspension are added 36.3 g. of 2-n-propylpyridine and the mixture allowed to stir for /2 hour. At the end of this time, a solution consisting of 24.6 g. of p-methoxypropiophenone in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether is then added dropwise. After stirring for an additional 2 hours, 25 g. of ammonium chloride are added in several small portions. Three hundred milliliters of anhydrous ether are next added and the mixture allowed to stir at room temperature until the liquid ammonia has evaporated. To the resultant mixture is then added a quantity of water and the mixture is extracted with ether. The combined ether extracts are then in turn extracted with hydrochloric acid. After washing the acidic extracts once with ether, they are rendered alkaline by the addition of ammonium hydroxide. The basic mixture is next extracted with chloroform and upon concentration of these organic'extracts to a residue and distillation in vacuo of the residue, there is obtained the compound of the example 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4- .(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 153-160 C./1 mm., 22 1.5528.

In a similar manner by employing the appropriate and corresponding substituted phenyl ketones and the appropriate and corresponding pyridines, the following compounds are prepared according to this procedure: 2-(pmethoxyphenyl) -3- (2-pyridyl -2-pentanol, B.P. 143-149 C./ 2 mm.; 2- (p-methoxyphenyl -3 (4-pyridyl) -2-pentan01, B.P. 163168 C./1 mm.; 3-,(p-methoxyphenyl)-4- (4-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 176188 C./1 mm.; 3-(pchlorophenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 157158 C./1 mm.; 3-(p-bromophenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 174-180 C./1 mm.; 3-(methoxyphenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 157159 C./1 mm.; 2-(3,4-dime thoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-pentanol, B.P. 173178 C./1 mm.; 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)- 3-hexanol, B.P. 167-171 C./1 mm.; 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-4-ethyl-3-l1exanol, B.P. 159-l63 C./ 1 mm.; 3-[p-2-(dimethylamino)-ethoxyphenyl]-4-(2- pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 193-200 C./1 mm.; 3-(p-thiomethylphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 183-190 C./ 1 mm.

Alternatively the compound of this example, 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, may be prepared by the action of phenyl lithium (prepared at reflux temperature from 47 g. of bromobenzene and 4.2 g. of lithium metal in 500 ml. of anhydrous ether) on 2-n-propylpyridine (36.3 g.) and p-methoxypropiophenone (25 g.). The reaction is executed for approximately 4 hours and the product isolated according to the method of isolation described above.

According to this alternate procedure the following compounds are prepared from the appropriate and corresponding starting materials. 3-(p-methylphenyl)-4 (2- pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 139-143 C./1 mm. and 3-(mmethoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol, B.P. 137-l42 C./l mm.

As an additional alternative, butyl lithium may be substituted for phenyl lithium.

EXAMPLE 9 3-(Z-pyridyl)-4-(p-meth0xyphenyl)-3-hexene Fourteen grams of 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)- 3-(p-meth0xyphenyl)-4-(pyrazyl) -hexane According to the alternate procedure described in Example 3, anethole hydrobromide is treated with the sodium salt of Z-n-propylpyrazine (prepared from Z-n-propylpyrazine and sodium metal in liquid ammonia and a trace of ferric nitrate). There is thus obtained upon purification and isolation as therein described the compound of this example 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(pyrazyl)-hexane.

EXAMPLE 1 1 3 p-methoxyphenyl) -4- piperazyl -hexane Ten grams of the compound of Example 10, 3-(pmethoxyphenyl) -4-(pyrazyl)-hexane in 150 ml. of absolute ethanol are hydrogenated in an autoclave employing platinum oxide as the catalyst and maintaining a temperature 013150" C. and a pressure of 1,000 lb./sq. in. of hydrogen. There is thus obtained the compound of this example, 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(piperazyl)-hexane.

EXAMPLE 12 2 (m Methoxyphenyl) 3 (2 pyrazyl) 2 pentanol The sodium salt of 2-propylpyrazineis prepared and reacted With m-methoxyacetophenone according to the procedure of Example 8 and there is thus obtained the compound of this example, Z-(m-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyrazyl)-2-pentanol, B.P. 203-208 C./1.5 mm.

EXAMPLE 13 g 3 (2 thiazole) 4 (p methoicyphenyl) 3 hexanol To a solution of butyl lithium prepared from 2.5 g. of lithium metal and g. of n-butyl bromide in 500 ml. of anhydrous ether at C. is added dropwise an ethereal solution of 30 g. of Z-bromothiazole. After /2 hour there is added a solution of 2.5 g. of 4-anisyl- 3-hexanone in 100 ml. of ether. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours. At the end of this time, water is cautiously added and the organic layer separated. The organic layer is then extracted With dilute hydrochloric acid and the acidic extracts washed once With ether and then rendered alkaline by the addition of ammonium hydroxide. The product is isolated by extraction with chloroform, concentration of these extracts to a residue, and recrystallization of the residue from hexane, M.P. 99400 C.

In a similar manner, by employing 2-bromo-N-methylimidazole in place of 2-bromothiazole there is obtained 3 (N methyl 2 imidazyl) 4 (p methoxyphenyl) 3-hexanol. The two isomeric forms demonstrate the melting points, 69-72 C., 95-97 C.

EXAMPLE 14 3 (p methoxyphenyl) 3 propionoxy 4 (2 pyridyl) hexane The procedure of Example 8 is followed up to the point of quenching the reaction mixture with ammonium chloride. Three hundred milliliters of anhydrous ether are added as therein described and a molar equivalent quantity of propionic anhydride is next added. The resulting mixture is warmed on a steam bath and stirred for 2 hours. At the end of this time, the reaction mixture is decomposed by the addition of a 10% aqueous ammonium chloride solution and extracted with ether. The ether extracts are then concentrated to a residue which upon distillation in vacuo yields 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)- 3-propionoxy-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane, B.P. l47-l50C./ 0.5

Alternatively 14.3 g. of 2(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol in ml. of anhydrous benzene is treated with 7.0 g. of propionic anhydride. The mixture is heated on a steam bath for 3 hours and the product isolated as in the above procedure of Example 14.

In a similar manner otherlower alkanoic acid anhydrides may be substituted for propionic anhydride such as acetic anhydride or butyric anhydride so as to obtain the corresponding lower alkanoic esters.

EXAMPLE 1S 3 (p [3 diethylaminoethoxyphenyl) 4 (pyridyl) hexane A. 4- (p-HYDROXYPHENYL) -3-HEXANONE One hundred grams of 4-(p-anisyl)-3'-hexanone and 500 ml. of 48% hydrogen bromide are refluxed for 20 hours. The excess hydrogen bromide is then removed under reduced pressure and the residue diluted with water. Extraction with chloroform, concentration of the chloroform extracts, and distillation of the residue yields 4 (p hydroxyphenyl) 3- hexanone, B.P. 160-165" C./2.mm., MP. 63-65" C. a

B. 4- pfi-DIETHYLAMINOETHOXYPHENYL) -3- Y HEXANONE C. 3- (2-PY-RIDYL) 4- p-flDIETHYLAMINOETHOXY- PHENYL-3-HEXANOL By substituting the compound obtained in Part B of this example for 4-(p-methoxyphenyl) -3-hexanone in the procedure of Example 1, there is obtained the compound, 3 (2 pyridyl) 4 (p ,8 diethylaminoethoxyphenyl) 3-hexanol, B.P. 2052l5 C./l mm., n 1.5367.

L). 3- (2-PYRI-IDYL) -4- (p-B-DIETHYLAMINOETHOX Y- 'PHENYL) -3-HEXEN E The compound obtained in Part C of this example is dehydrated according to the procedure of Example 9 and there is thus obtained 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-fi diethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-3-hexene, B.P. 204206 C./2.5 mm., 11 1.5452.

E. 3- (p-B-DIETHYLAMINOETHOXYPHENYL) -4- (2-PY-RIDYL) -HEXA'NE The compound prepared in Part D of this example is hydrogenated according to the procedure of Example 3. There is thus obtained the compound of this example, 3,-

(p B diethylaminoethoxyphenyl) 4 (2 pyridyl) hexane, B.P. ZOO-204 C./2 mm., n 1.5328. I

EXAMPLE 16 3 (2 pyridyl) 4 (p methoxyphenyl) hexane hydrochloride To 12 g. of 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-hexane dissolved in 400 ml. of anhydrous ether is added a solution of anhydrous hydrogen chloride in absolute ethanol until precipitation is complete. The mixture is then cooled in an ice bath and the solid thus crystallized is collected by filtration and dried. Recrystallization of this solid from a mixture of absolute ethanol and anhydrous ether yields one isomer having a melting point of 223226 C. which upon further recrystallization is raised to 229-230 C. Upon concentration of the absolute ethanol-anhydrous ether solution, the second isomer is obtained having a melting point of l24-l30 C. which upon recrystallization from the same solvents is raised to 126-127 C.

In a similar fashion the following hydrochlorides are prepared (where two melting points appear, the second value refers to the other isomer): 3-(4-pyridyl)-4-(.pmethoxyphenyl) hexane hydrochloride, M.P. 203- 204 C., M.P. 190-193" C.; 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2- pyridyl)-nonane hydrochloride, M.P. 224226 C.; 2- (4 pyridyl) 2 methyl 3 (p methoxyphenyl) pen tane hydrochloride, M.P. l68-170 C.; Z-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-pentane, M.P. 178-181" C.

EXAMPLE 17 3-(2-pyridyl) -4-(2-pyridyl) -4- (p-methoxyphenyl) 4-butanol A suspension of sodamide in liquid ammonia is prepared from 2.3 g. of sodium in a manner analogous of the alternate procedure of Example 3. To this suspension are added 12.1, g. of 2-propylpyridine and the mixture is allowed to stir for /2 hour. At the end of this time, a solution consisting of 21.3 g. of p-methoxy-2-benzoylpyridine in an equal volume of anhydrous ether is then added dropwise. After stirring for an additional 2 hours, 25 g. of ammonium chloride are added in several small portions. Three hundred milliliters of anhydrous ether are next added and the mixture allowed to stir at room temperature until the liquid ammonia has evaporated. To the resultant mixture is then added a quantity of water and the mixture is extracted with ether. The combined ether extracts are then in turn extracted with hydrochloric acid. After washing the acidic extracts once with ether, they are rendered alkaline by the addition of ammonium hydroxide. The basic mixture is next extracted with chloroform and upon concentration of these organic extracts to a residue and distillation in vacuo of the residue, there is obtained the compound of the example, 3-(2- pyridyl)-4-(2-pyridy1)-4- (p-methoxyphenyl) 4-butanol, B.P. 226-230 C./l mm.

The compounds of my invention quite naturally differ in degree of activity. For instance, the administration of 3-anisyl-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane in amounts of 6 mg. and 2 mg./kg. of body weight per day will reduce the serum cholesterol content in the blood 80% and 36%, respectively, whereas the administration of similar amounts of 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-hexanol will reduce the serum cholesterol content in the blood 86% and 70%, respectively.

The compounds of my invention may be used in the form of pharmaceutical preparations which contain the new compound in admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier suitable for enteral, or parenteral administration. Such preparations may be in solid forms, as for example tablets and capsules, or in liquid forms, as for example elixirs, emulsions, and injectables.

In the formulation of pharmaceutical preparations there can be employed such substances which do not re.- act with the compounds, as for example water, gelatin, lactose, starches, magnesium stearate, talc, vegetable oils, benzyl alcohols, gums, polyalkyleneglycols, and petroleum jelly.

The following examples will serve to further exemplify the nature of these various formulations. These examples, however, are not intended and should not be construed in any way so as to limit the scope of product formulation.

12 EXAMPLE 1s Tablet composition Quantity for 1000 Prepare a hot starch paste, using of the amount of starch in a minimum amount of hot water, and add the hot paste to 1 to obtain a damp granulation. Pass the damp granulation through a No. 12 screen. Dry the screened granulation at 40-45 C. overnight, and pass the dried granules through a No. 16 screen. To the dried granules add the remainder of 2 and 3 and mix to insure even granule distribution. Compress 270 mgper tablet on a inch, standard concave, scored punches at 3-5 kg. hardness.

EXAMPLE 19 Parenteral composition [100 mg./ce.]

Ingredients: Quantity for 100 ml.

(1) 3-anisyl-4-(2-pyridyl)-hexane, micronized grams 10.0 (2) Carboxymethyl cellulose, medium viscosity grams 0.5 (3) Sodium chloride, U.S.P. .do 0.9 (4) Benzyl alcohol, U.S.P do.. 0.9 (5) Water for injection, U.S.P., q.s., about In approximately of 5, dissolve 4, 3, and 2. Incorporate 1 into this solution and pass through a rotorstator (fine setting). Add enough of 5 to bring to cc. volume. Filter through a sintered glass filter of fine porosity. Fill the filtered solutioninto vials, cap, and autoclave.

I claim:

1. A compound of the formula:

lower lower alk l alkyl wherein V is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkyl and halogen; W and X are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy with the proviso that at least one of W and X is hydrogen, and when W and X are taken together they form an additional double bond between the carbon atoms to which they are attached.

2. Di-lower alkyl hydroxyphenethylpyridine wherein one of the said lower alkyl groups is attached to one of the carbon atoms separating the phenyl group from the pyridyl group and the other lower alkyl group is attached to the other carbon atom separating the phenyl from the pyridyl group.

3. Di-lower .alkyl lower alkoxyphenethylpyridine wherein one of the said lower alkyl groups is attached to one of the carbon atoms separating the phenyl group from the pyridyl group and the other lower alkyl group is attached to the other carbon atom separating the phenyl from the pyridyl group.

4. A compound of the formula:

lower lower lower 13 5. A compound of the formula:

H iii lower filmy-Q l Pyrmyl lower lower alkyl alkyl 6. A compound of the formula:

lower lower alkyl alkyl -8. A compound of the formula:

lower lower alkyl alkyl 9. A compound of the formula:

lower lower lower alkyl alkyl 10. 3-(2-pyridy1)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-hexene. 11. 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-metl1oxyphenyl)-hexane. 12. 3-(-2-pyridy1)-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-hexane.

13. 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-hexanol.

1 4 14. 2-(p-methoxyphenyl) -3- (2-pyridyl) -3-pentane. 15. 2- (p-methoxyphenyl -3 -(2 pyridyl -3 -pentene. 16. 2-(p-methoxyphenyl) -3- (2-pyridyl) -2-pentano1. 17. 2- (p-methoxyphenyl) -3-(2-pyridyl) -2-pentene.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,566,360 9/51 Papa et a1. 260-296 10 2,656,358 10/53 Sperber et al. 260-290 2,794,807 6/57 Krapcho 260-297 2,805,223 9/57 Hultquist 260-250 2,846,461 8/58 Thompson et a1. 260-290 2,847,417 8/58 Eruer 260-309 2,874,161 2/59 Van Campcn et a1. 260297 2,920,996 1/60 Bluestone 260243 2,945,860 7/60 Schmidt-Barbo et al. 260-268 2,962,500 11/60 Hoflman et'al. 260-293 OTHER REFERENCES Bergstrom et a1.: Chem. Abstracts, vol. 40, cols. 870-1 (1946).

Papa et a1.: I. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 73, pp; 253-5 (1951).

Hardegger et a1.: Chem. Abstracts, vol. 52, cols. 9116-7 (1958).

Phillips: I. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 76, pp. 3986-7 (1954).

IRVING MARCUS, Primary Examiner.

D. T. MCCUTCHEN, WALTER A. MODANCE,

Examiners. 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA:
 4. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA: 